Search Marion County Court Docket
Court docket records in Marion County are kept by the Circuit Clerk at the Hamilton courthouse. The county is in the 25th Judicial Circuit with Winston County. The docket is the record of all court cases from start to end. Marion County is in northwest Alabama near the Mississippi line. Public records include civil cases, crime cases, family matters like divorce and custody, and traffic tickets. You can search online through Alacourt ACCESS or go to the Circuit Clerk office in person during work hours.
Marion County Quick Facts
Marion County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Marion County. This office takes new case filings, keeps the docket up to date, records orders and judgments, and gives copies to the public. The clerk serves both Circuit Court and District Court.
| Address | 132 S Military St Hamilton, AL 35570 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 921-7451 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 25th Judicial Circuit (with Winston County) |
Types of Court Records
The Circuit Clerk keeps docket records for many case types. Circuit Court hears felonies, civil suits over $10,000, family cases like divorce and custody, and appeals from District Court. District Court takes misdemeanors, civil cases under $10,000, small claims, traffic tickets, and first hearings for felonies.
Accessing Court Records
There are a few ways to get Marion County court docket records. Alacourt ACCESS online covers the whole state. Search by name or case number. There is a fee per search. If you go to the Circuit Clerk office in Hamilton in person, there is no fee per search. But copy fees still apply. You can also mail requests with the fees paid up front.
Online Records Access
Marion County is part of the state Alacourt ACCESS system. It gives online access to trial court records from all Alabama counties. The database covers civil, crime, family, and traffic cases.
Online search results show case numbers, party names, case types, filing dates, and status. The docket with the time line of each case is there too. Some docs may cost extra to view or need a visit in person.
Fees and Costs
Marion County uses standard fees for court record services as set by state law and local rules.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies | $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee |
| Record search fee | $5.00 to $10.00 |
| Alacourt ACCESS | Per-search fees displayed before transaction |
The Circuit Clerk office takes cash, check, and money order. For mail requests, pay up front by check or money order to the Marion County Circuit Clerk.
Legal Framework for Record Access
State law and court rules set how you get court records in Alabama. These rules say what records are open and what limits there are.
Public Records Law
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 lets Alabama residents look at and copy public records, including court docket records. A 2024 change says you must show proof you live in Alabama. A driver license, state ID, or voter card works.
Privacy and Confidentiality
The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality guard private info. These rules list 96 types of private data. This covers Social Security numbers, tax IDs, bank account numbers, medical records, names of child crime victims, and abuse victim addresses. Juvenile records, sealed cases, and adoption files are not open to the public.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Some court records are sealed by court order. They are not open to the public. To get sealed records, you must file a petition with the court. Expunged records are taken out of public view by court order and Alabama law.
Additional Resources
Appellate Court Records
Appeals from Marion County Circuit Court go to the Alabama appeals courts. The Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal gives free access to cases from the Supreme Court, Court of Civil Appeals, and Court of Criminal Appeals. You don't need to sign up or pay.
Federal Courts
Marion County is in the Northern District of Alabama for federal cases. Federal court records, like bankruptcy and federal crime cases, are on PACER. Federal and state court records are kept apart.
Legal Assistance
The Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can help you find a lawyer at 1-800-354-6154. Legal Services Alabama gives free civil legal help to low-income people who qualify. Call 1-866-456-4995.
Cities and Towns in Marion County
Marion County has several cities and towns. Court records for all county residents are kept at the Hamilton courthouse. City courts handle ordinance tickets and traffic tickets in city limits.
Communities in Marion County include:
- Hamilton (county seat)
- Winfield
- Brilliant
- Guin
- Hackleburg
- Bear Creek
For Circuit and District Court records, call the Marion County Circuit Clerk in Hamilton. For city court matters, call that city's court.
Nearby Counties
Marion County is in northwest Alabama and borders several other counties plus Mississippi. If you're not sure which county has a case, look where the defendant lives or where the event took place.
Start Your Search
Search court docket records from Marion County and all of Alabama using the form below.